The Belgian Malinois is one of the most popular breeds used by the military, police, and security forces due to their strength, intelligence, obedience, and loyalty. They are also known for being very energetic dogs that can become destructive if not given enough exercise or attention.

Given their high energy, endurance, and speed, The Belgian Malinois is not suitable for novice/first-time owners. They also have a high prey drive, which means they can be difficult to control.

This article will provide a brief background on Belgian Malinois and their characteristics and adaptability that make them unsuitable for novice owners.

Know The Breed First

The Belgian Malinois is a very powerful breed with incredible physical strength and determination which makes them excel at everything they do! Just like the German Shepherd, these dogs were some of the most ferocious athletes on the sheep fields.

Moreover, they are one of the four Belgian breeds developed to herd. Their resilient and keen eyesight made them well suited to herding. They guarded the herd with the fortitude to confront the wolves and any other predators and were also aggressive enough to scare them off.

The Belgian Malinois is the most rapidly active dog breed in America. A specialist company in GPS and activity tracking dog collars; Whistle confirmed that the Malinois beat out nearly 100 breeds to win the title as the most active of them all. The breed’s intense vigor and insatiable energy are also the reason why they need an owner who has had any experience with other high-energy breeds like the German Shepherds.

Why Belgian Malinois Aren’t for Novice Owners?

By now, you might have guessed why Belgian Malinois dogs make a poor choice for inexperienced dog owners. If you haven’t, read on to know 6 reasons listed below:

1. You should have proper knowledge on how to train and exercise the dog to properly care for them.
2. Although the breed is an excellent learner, they need a firm, consistent, and experienced trainer who knows how to control their dogs.
3. Belgian Malinois dogs have a strong prey drive, which is why people might find it hard to manage their constant drive.
4. Some are also very territorial by nature. They tend to rip apart everything that comes in their path if they think that you have messed up their toys.
5. They can get frustrated easily and resort to destroying things like mattresses, sofas, and furniture.
6. They are famous for their aggressiveness which is often the result of the genetic trait that has been passed down from their parents.

So, Should You Get One?

This Malinois breed thrives in homes that include them in regular, vigorous activities such as hiking, jogging, obedience, and other dog sports. They will also enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors.

If you’re confused about whether to get one of these agile dogs, then it all depends on what type of environment you raise your pup in. If you make sure that they get the appropriate training, exercise, and diet needs, and you believe in your capability to commit to an intelligent and powerful dog, then the Belgian Malinois can be the right breed for you.

Are Belgian Malinois Suitable for Apartment Living?

Belgian Malinois dogs are NOT suitable for apartment living. These high endurance dogs need an open space where they can run around and burn off their energy.

The breed will only be fine to live in an apartment if two significant conditions are met: Exercise and making sure that they aren’t left alone. When living with one, make sure you get their daily walks and jogs in and take your dog to a nearby dog park so they can burn off some steam.

As much as training and exercise are vital for Belgian Malinois dogs to be healthy, giving them constant love and support is also equally important. These dogs do not tolerate being alone and will resort to destructive behavior if they’re left unaccompanied in the apartment for far too long. You might as well come home to a total wreck of your furniture and pillowcases.

Can Belgian Malinois Adapt Hot Weather? What About Cold?

The Belgian Malinois can reside in hot or warm weather with ease. This makes them a great option for people who want to raise a dog in a warm climate.

While the breed is also usually able to live in colder areas, you might need to protect or cover them up during harsh climatic conditions.

Conclusion

So, are Belgian Malinois good for first time owners? Belgian Malinois dogs are not meant for novice owners, who may find that they are too large or too strong. Inexperienced owners require a lot of patience and knowledge of how to handle the dog. They need to truly evaluate their capabilities and know what they’re getting themselves into. To ensure that you have the best possible experience with your new pup, be sure to do your research thoroughly before buying one!

Thank you for reading the article.

To explore more about the breed, check out other articles that we have covered on the Belgian Malinois.

Are you planning to welcome a Belgian Malinois into your family? How prepared are you to raise one of these powerful dogs? We would love to hear from you. Please share with our community by leaving a comment below!